Editing

This is the area that I lack the most. At first I used to think that editing was just spell check on Microsoft Word and that was it. Then I realized it was so much more than that. Granted, I have been writing for a very long time, but my mind was not on editing. I just wanted people to really understand my story of what I was trying to say. Who cared that I didn’t put a comma in the right place? I can remember in high school my English teacher would give us a sheet that had ” common mistakes” on it which did not help because I still needed work on my papers. I have a come a long way, but I still lack editing. When something needs a fresh pair of eyes I send it to one of my friends and have them look it over. Here are some things that will help the process of editing.

Proofread – Always have your work proofread. I know we as writers think our writing is perfect, but it is good to go over every piece of writing with a fine tooth comb.

YouTube Videos – Call me crazy, but this really helps! I have watched many videos on how to edit. It may seem redundant or tedious, but it has helped me.

Books – Books that focus on editing can help a ton as well. In fact I am about to read a few because I still need all the help that I can get. Here are a few

On Writing by Stephen King

100 ways To Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost

The Manual for Writers by Kate L. Turbian (Eighth Edition)

Line by Line by Claire Kehrwald Cook

There are some of the books that I will be reading as well. My goal is to write for a living so I have to make sure that my editing is tight! When you edit what style works for you?

Editing is a very important tool for any writer. As writer’s there are some that can both write and edit. If this is you, I am very envious. I have to buy books and hire an editor for my work. One would think that I would have it down but nope. I get the punctuation mixed up and I notice some run ons. I’m a work in progress. A writer’s job is to well, write! We have to come up with these awesome stories and once we get them out there whether it’s a script for a novel, the world (or so we think) will criticize our work. That’s the hardest part of writing, seeing who thinks we have good skills or not. One time I turned in a paper for my undergrad and I just knew it was edited properly. I had done it myself. I read and read, and changed so much and even used spell check. When I got my paper back it was a red as an apple. My creative work had been tormented by a long, skinny white tube substance with a red point on the end known as a paper mate pen used by my professor. I felt torn, and even shed a tear. I mean my paper was good! Or so I thought it was. I had grammar issues out the behind, and I was descriptive enough with my paper. I thought, wait, a writer who isn’t descriptive? This teacher is tripping! When in reality it was I with the issues. I sucked it up and was able to do a rewrite. Once I started over the paper was becoming it’s own, the flow was better and my ability to explain and tell a good story. When in doubt edit as much as you can on every writing piece!

Good morning, writers!

Today, I want to just give ten fun facts on what writers should before, during, and after the writing process. I need to stick to these things as well. But, sometimes. we as writers tend to do what we want to do! We are works in progress, right? Once I’ve finished giving my list, I’d like all readers to give me their list of what they do. So, let’s get started!

1. Make your characters as real as they can be! In order to do this whether you are writing a novel or screenplay, it’s important for your characters to be very real. It makes people relate to them better.

2. Develop a writing process. For me, this is the hardest part! I don’t have a time of day to write I just write everyday. Some writers work better in the morning, noon or night. I wish that I was more structured enough to make a goal.

3. Research. Before you go into the bulk of your story, make sure your facts are accurate. Although you are writing fiction, it needs to be believable fiction. For example, if you are writing mystery or a detective story, learn the lingo that’s used.

4. Editing. Need I say more? I mean, there are SO many editors out here who aren’t editors. Checking for punctuation and grammar isn’t all that an editor should do. Even then that’s wrong 80% of the time. ( At least from editors I’ve had in the past). Now, I don’t know who’s a good editor or not. I’m even taking an English/Grammar class so I can continue to learn.

5. Marketing. If you are an Indie writer this step is crucial. Marketing your work on social media, won’t cut it. Think outside of the box. Go out in the streets, go to events, etc. I know money may be tight for a lot of indie’s but step outside of the box.

6. Promotion. Again, this just can’t be done on social media. Sure, it helps, but does it really make you money? Now, I know that writing shouldn’t be about the money, but you want to see a good investment on the work you are putting out there. Especially if you are an indie author.

7. Reading. I think that all writers should read books. It doesn’t matter what style or genre, but being able to imagine and truly get to know those characters, it will only make your writing better.

8. Revise your work. I know this should be a given. But, honestly, I used to write one draft, get it edited, and that’s it. Don’t do that!! Take it from me, at least 3 drafts needs to be done. First a revision for grammar, etc. Then, a copy edit, and last a line edit of the entire manuscript.

9. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! I know this one may sound crazy as hell, but it’s true. When I self published my first book, I just knew I’d sell millions and be on the NY best sellers list. Womp, Womp, Wommmmppp! It didn’t happen. Not even close. Make a reasonable goal for yourself as far as sales and try to follow through. But, we can’t predicate what or what doesn’t sell.

10. Celebrate. No matter what you have finished and accomplished go out and celebrate it! Enjoy it with friends or even by yourself, but just take a moment and be happy about it!

I love to keep it real with my readers! With that being said I have to tell you a weakness that I have. I know I shouldn’t have it and it seems VERY basic but it is a struggle that I have. Yes, grammar! Grammar I hate it with a passion. I thought that I was getting better but I guess I am not. It has come to my attention that I need to work on my grammar. I was embarrassed and thought, ” Oh no! I need to get a handle on this.” It’s funny I got good grades in English class, but I guess this part of it I just so happened to not do so well in. What I have done to help me work on my grammar is to read constantly. During my stay at FullSail University, I made some great friends. When we learned and started working on our thesis statements, I came across my friend Tess. Tess not only was a student with me but she also taught Creative Writing at her school. I had spoken to Tess previously about my grammar issues and she sent me some handouts to look over. Usually, with my writings I hire an editor to do my work. Then I found out that I STILL had mistakes in my writing. Now, I don’t know who is a good editor or not.

This is how I feel right now in my life. I just want to pull it ALL out!

The more and more people tell me about my grammar the smaller I feel. I know it’s not the worst thing to be ashamed of but I’m a writer and I know it’s a big deal. One of my teachers suggested that I keep reading and pay attention to the sentences as I read. I do that already but it’s not sticking. Then it dawned on me, a friend of mine named Justin told me about The Little Brown Handbook. He said, ” Krystol I suggest all writers get this book.” I bought the book ( now let me tell you I got the kindle version and it was $62.00). Yes, it’s pricey but it’s a great book. It’s over 900 pages but has different parts to it. One of the parts is Grammatical Sentences and it will help me out a lot! I’m about to start reading it and see if it will help me. But, I was told that in order to become a better writer is to keep writing. So, I am going to do just that and keep writing. I have two books to write ( one of them is for Camp Nanowrimo), a outline to do for a TV pilot, and work for my internship. The work for my internship is tough and my boss even told me about my grammar. I have to step my game up in order to be taken seriously in this industry.

This book is available where ever books are sold

As silly as it sounds when I read my work of course it sounds perfect to me. Editing has never been my strong suit. I’m not afraid to admit it anymore. But, my writing is still good, at least I think so. I remember one of my teachers telling me, “ Krystol you are a comma crazy.” I thought comma’s were used with having more than one thing or if it’s a pause. I guess that I was wrong. Boy, my high school English teach Mrs. Conner would be so disappointed in me. But, I passed her class with a A! I remember we had to do a research paper in order to graduate. I don’t remember what my paper was on but I swear to God APA Format needs to rot in hell. Who in their right mind would make up such a thing? When I was getting my undergraduate degree it got worse. I remember a teacher telling me about my grammar then, too. Man, now that I think I about it, I REALLY need help! Writing this post is very difficult for me because I have to show my weakness, it’s like undressing in front of a new boyfriend when you decide to take ” that step” into the relationship. ” Does he think i’m fat? What if he doesn’t like it, will he leave?” Ladies, you know what I’m talking about! But, I know that this part of the craft and learning is re-learning. All I can do is continue to try. So here goes nothing!

Like this:

Editing is a very important tool for any writer. As writer’s there are some that can both write and edit. If this is you, I am very envious. I have to buy books and hire an editor for my work. One would think that I would have it down but nope. I get the punctuation mixed up and I notice some run ons. I’m a work in progress. A writer’s job is to well, write! We have to come up with these awesome stories and once we get them out there whether it’s a script for a novel, the world (or so we think) will criticize our work. That’s the hardest part of writing, seeing who thinks we have good skills or not. One time I turned in a paper for my undergrad and I just knew it was edited properly. I had done it myself. I read and read, and changed so much and even used spell check. When I got my paper back it was a red as an apple. My creative work had been tormented by a long, skinny white tube substance with a red point on the end known as a paper mate pen used by my professor. I felt torn, and even shed a tear. I mean my paper was good! Or so I thought it was. I had grammar issues out the behind, and I was descriptive enough with my paper. I thought, wait, a writer who isn’t descriptive? This teacher is tripping! When in reality it was I with the issues. I sucked it up and was able to do a rewrite. Once I started over the paper was becoming it’s own, the flow was better and my ability to explain and tell a good story. When in doubt edit as much as you can on every writing piece!

Like this:

I can’t believe we are at Day 9 of the writing challenge! I have truly enjoyed this and I thank everyone who have liked, commented and shared my blogs. You are so appreciated. We must continue to write and stay in touch.

The cons of being a writer. Wow, this is a GOOD one. I can go on and on about some cons. Especially cons that non writer’s give us writers. I won’t have too many cons but there are some. Here is my list:

1. Publishing- Writers can write all day long but the end result should be some kind of publishing. Whether it’s traditional or self publishing. I’ve been self publishing my work for over 5 years now. But, that is no longer. I am now seeking an agent so I can get a major deal. The con in this is that it’s hard for someone to want to publish your work and very expensive for you to self publish.

2. Not Making Enough Money- Non writers usually put this con out there. They may feel it’s not a real job and we need to do better with our lives. NOT TRUE! Writing is a job. I mean who do you think provide you with TV, Books, Films, Magazines, etc. Hello people, they don’t write themselves!

3. Time Management- this can be a con because sometimes we writer’s are all over the place. Our ideas run wild and our characters can talk too much. Yes, our character’s do speak to us. I mean, I have been kept up all night once with my thoughts and they were merely characters. Most writers’ do have 9-5’s and can’t figure out a schedule of when to write. I’m currently having a schedule dilemma.

4. Getting people to believe in your work- as a writer it’s hard to find your target audience. Who will really understand what you are trying to say? This is often a con because sometimes we just don’t know. People may not want to take a chance on a new writer. Writer’s we have to prove ourselves with everything that we write. Talk about pressure.

5. The Editing Process- In my opinion this is the con of all cons. I mean we as writers hate to edit most of the time. If we can’t afford to hire one then we have to wear that hat too. It helps if we take a few days off and go back in with fresh eyes. During this process we may change our story slightly or all together. It’s just how the process works.